Ascending: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
Butterflies: The change from caterpillar though to the chrysalis and emergence as a butterfly is the greatest change in the animal world. It symbolises significant change in the course of one’s life, personality or way of thinking.
Putting them together brings us on an upwards journey of change and transformation, isn't that what we all strive for?

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Thursday, November 17, 2016

This post is inspired by, but NOT SPONSORED by Glamour's Women of the Year Awards.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Remember when Kissing actually meant something?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -When was the last time a kiss took your breath away?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -When was the last time talking to your crush gave you butterflies in your stomach?

While watching an Entertainment News Story that was covering Glamour's Women of the Year Awards, a simple quote made me actually look away from my computer and up at my TV screen, Gwen Stefani was honored as 2016's Woman of the Year during the Glamour's Women of the Year Awards in Hollywood, California and during her speech she said something that has stuck with me since I heard it: (this is a snippet of her acceptance speech):

"I just want to say thank you to my parents for that gift of faith," she told the audience. "I want to say thank you to everyone who ever listened to my music. I am so honored and grateful." She continued, getting choked up, "To my children, to my family, to Blake Shelton for kissing me back to life, thank you so much. I am blown away, I'm blown away by this room of unbelievable courage. It's unbelievable to be here tonight. I am really, really grateful." ~Gwen Stefani

I rarely get 'event envy' - I attend amazing ones here in New York City all the time, but I truly wish I could have been there to see/hear her say it.

Oh to be a fly on that wall.

I would have loved to have witnessed the reactions for myself.

In fact, I would love to know what your *REAL* first reaction to that sentence is, before you think about it, before you cautiously consider - write and then re-write your answer. (Did you mentally go all "Bitter Betty" and think 'UGH', "Jaded Jane" and think 'yeah right' or are you a "Swooning Sally" whose heart beats romantic all the time?)

My Take:

I am writing this and listening to Evanesence "Bring Me to Life" and contemplating how that simple yet boldly powerful statement made by Gwen Stefani reminds of a time when kissing and romance was a bit less complex, was *almost* (and I do say almost)... easier.

I want to jokingly say that Blake Shelton must be a damn good kisser, but I get what she means by it.

But as a single gal in New York City who is not into kissing every random frog that comes hopping along my path (hoping one of them might be that elusive Prince), I wonder if I will ever truly experience a "Kiss that Brings Me Back to Life" - I vaguely remember butterflies in my stomach, but don't think I have yet had a kiss that brought me back to life or helped me 'get my life' either.

I hope that this expression "Kiss me back to life" actually becomes bigger and finally drowns out the term 'conscious un-coupling', coined by Gwyneth Paltrow after her messy divorce. Maybe this quote will have more impact than that one. Imagine a world where we have more people open to love and romance and less plotting how to civilly break away from one another....(and I'll refrain from mentioning that affairs caused so much heart ache and heart break for both Gwen and Gwyneth -perhaps a post exploring why men on cheat on amazing women is a topic to be explored?)

I could also write a book on weird dating experiences in the city that never sleeps! But that my dear butterflies is a story for another day.

(And by the way that is a photo prop in my hand in the photo above, NOT my lips!!!)

Readers Sound Off: Have you ever experienced a 'Kiss that brought you back to life'? Do you think a kiss can really do all that?

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated or sponsored Post, (while perhaps it should be) and all thoughts and opinions are my own.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey Butterfly.

I kid you not, I listed to Evanescence earlier today! :D Yes, I've had a few kisses that have suddenly made me feel truly alive. I think that with the right chemistry a kiss can be ... life changing. <3

@DJ I see we share the same great taste in music! I feel most alive when I am in an airplane and it's ascending and I know I am leaving everything behind and headed somewhere new. I vaguely remember that thing called 'chemistry' of which you speak. I won't say just how long it's been since I have actually felt that way! :)

@Adriana - As a single woman, the idea of it instantly resonated when I heard her say it. I couldn't help but want to explore the topic and find out what people think when they hear it. It actually dovetails nicely with a piece I wrote about how difficult it is to accept a compliment. As far as compliments go, hers was certainly quite a compliment!

Interesting topic! I think there are different emotions that kisses can give you, depending on your age when it happened. My first kiss as a teenager was different from the first kiss my husband and I shared. :)

I completely believe a kiss can bring someone back to life. So oftern we get set in a routine and forget to live. All it could take is that one kiss to ignite a spark and you will remember what you are living for.

About Me:

Ascending Butterfly is a LIFESTYLE Blog. While it's Founder/Editor is in full possession of a Uterus, she doesn't choose to use it, keep that in mind before hitting send on your next pitch. We focus on Travel, Spirits, All things Foodie, Photography, Beauty, Fashion, Eco Friendly, with a mind, body,and soul approach to wellness and well-being.